Essential Internet Protocols - A Primer

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Introduction

I wrote this page as a reference guide for myself, and for those who are new to network engineering. I wanted to quantify and organize all of the protcols (and concepts) that an engineer or network administrator needs to be familiar with in order to perform his job. These are the essential protocols and applications which make up the Internet as we know it today. I imagine that this document will slowly change over time, just as the Internet changes over time.

What is absolutely amazing to me is that we could have a fully-functional, useful Internet with less than 25 standard protocols. Of course, there are many more in use, but there are only a handful that are really necessary.

With many of the protocols, I have included HOWTOs or Quickstart Guides. These will usually be on one of the following platforms:

• Red Hat Linux/Fedora Core Linux
• FreeBSD
• Cisco IOS

Internet protocols (and core applications) are a fascinating subject. If you have any comments, corrections, or additions, please e-mail me: [email protected]

Layered Protocols

Fundamental to understanding Internet applications, protocols, and standards is the concept of the protocol stack, or layered protocols. The two protocol stack models that are relevant to the Internet are the OSI Protocol Stack, and the TCP/IP Protocol Stack.

Core/Infrastructure Protocols and Programs

Classic Internet Protocols, Programs, and Standards

Web & Multimedia Protocols and Programs

Security & Tunneling Protocols